The US Released Two Russian Sailors From the Detained Tanker “Marinera”

Two Russian sailors from the tanker Marinera, which the United States seized on January 7, have been released—they are now heading to Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The vessel, which is linked to the so-called “shadow fleet,” was detained after an attempt to load cargo in Venezuela. According to available information, the tanker was carrying Russian oil in circumvention of sanctions restrictions.

There were 28 crew members on board, including 17 Ukrainian nationals. Kyiv had appealed for their release, but there has been no indication that the United States agreed to this step.